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You're watching UNICEF television.

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If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.

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UNICEF goodwill ambassador Clay Aiken recently toured medical facilities and schools in Afghanistan

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to learn more about how the lives of children are being improved.

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The American pop singer spent five days traveling from the capital city of Kabul to Bamiyan

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in the central region of the country.

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He paid a visit to the UNICEF-supported Sadat Health Clinic.

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Here Mr. Aiken gave a polio vaccination to a young child and met with many mothers.

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The facility provides a much-needed lifeline for nearby communities.

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Not only does it offer immunization services for newborn babies, but also teaches family

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planning like best hygiene and breastfeeding practices.

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The people of Afghanistan, at least from my impression, are without question its greatest

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natural resource because we've been greeted with nothing but wonderful hospitality since

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we've been here and it's been really amazing to see not only the generosity, but the strength

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of the people who are here in Afghanistan.

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Mr. Aiken also met with students at the Shirin Hazra School.

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The goodwill ambassador heard from young girls and their teachers on the importance of reading

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and writing.

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In Bamiyan province, there are nearly 112,000 students.

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Despite this, 30% of children in the area are out of school and enrollment of girls

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is especially low.

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Currently, UNICEF is trying to correct this imbalance and boost education levels in the

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country.

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As a former teacher, Mr. Aiken was only too happy to lend a hand during his trip.

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It's hoped his visit will bring more attention to the needs of Afghan children.

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This is Hani Shauer, reporting for UNICEF Television.

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Unite for Children.